Baby Bathing

Baby bathing can be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing times of the day that you can spend with your bub.

When your baby is first born it is easier to use a special baby bath or simply use the
laundry sink. You can even take bub into the shower or bath with you. Older babies and toddlers love
water play and bath time is a great way to have a special play at the end of the day.

Establishing bath time as a time of fun and relaxation is important for both baby and parents. Bath
time can signal the end of the day and is a great way to promote a restful night sleep.

A relaxing bath leads to restful sleep

Babies and toddlers just love having your full attention and the sensory pleasure of being in a
warm bath. For sleepy newborns it may be the only wakeful time of the day. Following bath time
with a baby massage is a relaxing and nurturing way to teach your baby to unwind. A warm and
relaxing bath is a well known aid to promote sleep.

Bathing newborns and sponge baths

For newborns a bath is a great way to soothe and relax your baby before sleep. Many newborns love
the sensory feeling of being in a warm bath – others take a while to get used to bathing and may
even startle if they feel cold after a warm bath. Take care to keep newborns warm in a towel and
follow their bath with a gentle massage. Take a look at bathing newborns for tips
on bathing young
babies.

Bathing a newborn for the first time can seem a little daunting. A simple alternative is a sponge
bath sometimes known as a “top and tail bath”. Bathing very young bubs every few days is fine
with
a top and tail bath on the days in between. This can also help protect fragile baby skin from
drying out.

Bathing your growing baby – get ready for water fun

Bathing an older baby is a lot of fun – but be prepared to get splashed! Add some bubbles and toys
and watch your toddler’s playtime begin. It’s a great time for babies to learn about water –
tipping, pouring, floating toys and toys that sink. Take a look at bathing your growing baby for
more advice and suggestions on bathing your bigger baby.

Bathing your toddler – teaching them to wash themselves

With growing independence and mobility most toddlers love taking charge of their bath. At times it
might be a challenge to get them into the bath, but once there it can be a challenge to get them
out! You can start to teach your toddler to wash themselves and they love playing with their bath
toys. For more information and advice take a look at Bathing your toddler.

Baby bathing safety

Having everything ready and on hand is the key to a successful and safe bath time. Take care with
hot water and never leave any child unattended in the bath. Take a look at our bathing tips to
find out how you can get your bathroom ready and bath safely.

Showering baby – save time and water

Why not try taking bub into the shower with you? It can save time and water and be a really close
and nurturing time for bub. Take a look at our baby showering tips for some great ideas on taking
your baby into the shower with you.

The information contained in this site is not an alternative for specific, individual medical advice and guidance from your doctor or health care provider, where all surrounding conditions and circumstances are known. If you are worried about your own health, or your child’s well being, seek immediate medical advice. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website. Huggies® (and any healthcare professional, where relevant) intend for the information on this website to be up to date, timely and accurate but, to the extent that we are permitted by law, do not accept any liability or responsibility for claims, errors or omissions. Huggies® may amend the material at any time without notice.